Jamaica made history with their first-ever win over USA, 16-10, bringing them the 2018 Americas Championship and automatic qualification for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, the eleventh nation to book their place.

The Reggae Warriors’ heroic, stoic, goal line defence – particularly in a scoreless second half – saw them become the inaugural Caribbean nation to make a World Cup, sparking wild celebrations as the final whistle went at the Hodges Stadium, University of North Florida, Jacksonville.

“We handled them better than they did us,” said euphoric Jamaica head coach Romeo Monteith, mobbed by his players.

“We capitalised on their poor discipline, we had a plan and it worked. At half time we said we needed to maintain our focus, we saw off what they threw at us and held our nerve.”

Monteith added: “This is massive for the Jamaican nation, to reach a World Cup is something extra special, it feels like there is one love.”

He sprang a surprise by playing Leeds Rhinos full back Ashton Golding at hooker from the start and although Golding suffered a neck injury during the second half, bravely playing on, his running and distribution out of dummy half was key.

Magnificently supported by the tireless plunges of Lamont Bryan, backed up by Ross Peltier, midfield guile of Joel Farrell and threat of Ben Jones-Bishop from the back, the visitors were 16 points up after half an hour and look set for victory.

But two tries in four minutes at the end of the opening period brought the home crowd to their feet, the second half becoming a monumental slug-fest, ended only when Ryan Burrows was held out by the swarming Jamaican cover defence on a power play in the 79th minute.

Jamaica found touch from the initial kick off, Jy-Mel Coleman’s kicking excellent throughout, and made the most of three penalties in the opening ten minutes.

Another late shot by Luani saw Coleman double the lead and, on the back of a double penalty after dissent, on a last tackle play, Golding shot out of dummy half and James Woodburn-Hall, called into the side for Danny Thomas, slipped the ball in to Farrell who went over; Coleman adding the extras.

The Hawks sent the re-start out on the full, Coleman missing the penalty from half way and on their first concerted attack, Luani’s grubber forced a drop out.

Skipper Mark Offerdahl, as he did throughout sucked the defence in, but Jerome Veve’s kick was too long and, with the pressure released, Farrell and Peltier made significant ground on the back of another penalty, Farrell’s pass out wide along the ground gathered by Jacob Ogden, a late call up, and he grounded in the corner.

Coleman converted from the touch line, but few would have thought that would be the end of the Jamaican scoring.

Farrell again prompted but his grubber to the in goal was long and USA finished the opening forty on top.

Bureta Faraimo’s last tackle kick ricocheted back to him and he fed Connor Donehue who twisted over through two tackles, Faraimo converting.

Danny Howard then sent Makelim through a gap, Offerdahl charged and, on the last tackle, Luani’s kick was fed on to Burroughs who stepped over in the corner, Faraimo’s conversion attempt hitting a post.

Makelim has held up over the line at the start of the second period and Mo Agoro was stopped a metre out in response.

Luani’s swinging arm brought another penalty but Coleman was wide with the shot at goal, Luani forcing a drop out from which Donehue was just denied when going solo.

David Washington’s runs were increasingly telling and a Luani chip just went over the winger’s fingers.

With seven minutes remaining, Coleman had a field goal attempt blocked, Burroughs knocked on and the ball was shipped to Ogden who was superbly bundled into touch by Jamil Robinson, who made a huge impact for the Hawks off the bench.

In the closing stages, Jamaica were caught accidently offside from a kick in their own quarter, Kristian Freed knocking on, Bryan doing likewise as fatigue set in to give Jamaica a final set to defend.

Offerdahl and Faraimo powered forward and, on the last, Donehue tried to get Burrows over out wide but the green wall stood firm.

Distraught USA head coach Sean Rutgerson commented: “Our discipline was awful and let us down badly.

“We got back in the game by half time when we stopped giving penalties away. They ran down the clock at scrums and drop outs and made it difficult to build any pressure.

“We’ve made it very hard for ourselves now.”

The USA now enter a repecharge world group in late 2019 in an effort to pick up one of the remaining qualifying places in 2021.

RLEF
The Rugby League European Federation
55 King Street,
Manchester M2 4LQ

This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used without prior written consent. Statements or opinions may be expressed in this e-mail that are personal to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the RLEF.

The RLEF is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law).
It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that opening this message and/or any of its attachments will not adversely affect its systems. No responsibility is accepted by the RLEF. If you are not the named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the e-mail from your system.

RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252

USA and Jamaica will meet at the Hodges Stadium, University of North Florida, Jacksonville on Saturday (kick off time 4pm local) to decide the eleventh nation to qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
In torrential rain, the host Hawks were comfortable 62-0 winners over newcomers Chile in the opening round, seven of their tries claimed by their unstoppable right-hand side combination of Ryan Burrows, with a hat trick, and debutant Brooklyn’s Brandon Anderson who grabbed four; Bureta Faraimo also finishing with 16 points from a try double and four goals.
“In the early stages we weren’t sure what to expect from the opposition,” said USA head coach Sean Rutgerson of the first South American nation to play in the qualifiers.
“We still had to defend because they ran hard, but we just had a bit more experience. It was a good chance to give some of the guys plenty of game time, just so they can get used to playing internationals, and they went well.”
Hawks skipper Mark Offerdahl also grabbed a brace of touchdowns and Jacksonville winger David Washington impressed.
Chile played with heart but were outclassed, loose forward James Horvat their best.

Jamaica eased clear of the Canada in the second half of the preceding game, two second half tries from Wakefield’s Super League star Ben Jones-Bishop, playing at full back, the turning point in their 38-8 triumph.
Leeds Rhinos’ Ashton Golding also crossed, the Wolverines pegging the score back to 12-8 at the start of the second period when Ruairi McGoff claimed their second try.
Reggae Warriors head coach Romeo Monteith commented: “Canada threw everything at us and I’m proud of our boys who stuck to the task and didn’t panic.
“Our defence won us the game, the turning point was when we kept them out on four consecutive sets just before halftime.
“The second half was even more pleasing as our attack really got into motion and the finishes were really good.
Looking ahead to the decider, Monteith added: “There were a lot of sore bodies but the lads are really looking forward to the final field session.
“It will be a great game for the fans, both teams are evenly matched and it will come down to who makes the least errors to claim that World Cup spot.”
Chile and Canada meet in a rankings match (kick off 1.30pm). According to Wolverines head coach Ben Fleming: “The effort by the boys (against Jamaica) was fantastic, they were all absolutely devastated afterwards that their World Cup dream was over.
“On top of a true captain’s performance from Rhys Jacks, fullback Jordan Drew impressed on debut. I have some tough decisions to make for Saturday’s game against Chile.
“Team Manager, Paul Buchanan, has pulled together a varied itinerary and team spirit is high. Now everyone’s looking forward to getting on the pitch.”
Both games will be live-streamed on the national federation’s and Toronto Wolfpack’s Facebook sites.

Canada and Jamaica have named 19-man squads for their clash in the Americas Championship at the University of North Florida Stadium, Jacksonville, tomorrow (Tuesday, kick off 5pm).
The match is part of a twin-event, with the winners facing USA or Chile in a second double-header at the same venue on Saturday; the victors in that game gaining automatic qualification to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
Canada’s head coach, Benjamin Fleming, commented: “The first training session after arriving here was very impressive. It seems like everyone has done their own preparation and it was somewhat seamless.
“Now the pressure, intensity and expectation becomes greater on and off the field, but a solid foundation is set. Players are bonding and building combinations really positively.”
Fleming added: “We understand how important it is for the side and for the nation to perform well and try to reach the World Cup for the first time.”
Reggae Warriors’ head coach Romeo Monteith has been happy with the way his men are looking in readiness.
“The squad has come together nicely since we got into Jacksonville on Saturday,” he said. “Our physio Ben Harper has done a good job working with the boys to get over their travel fatigue and niggles.
“Lead coach Jermaine Coleman put them through their paces and I was really happy with what I saw, they understand the playing system and the skill level was high.”
Monteith remarked: “We have a very positive vibe in the camp and the boys are just raring to go out there and make Jamaica proud.
“We have had many great battles with the Wolverines over the years; a free, open style of rugby league has characterized games between our nations.
“They are always high scoring affairs and I believe it will be the same on Tuesday. It’s a pity one of us will be out of contention for the 2021 World Cup, but that’s even more reason both squads will give it their all.”
The matches will be live streamed through various Facebook channels which has given the tournament and players a boost going into it, according to Rugby League International Federation official and tournament director, Danny Kazandjian.
“It is really pleasing that the City of Jacksonville and Toronto Wolfpack have combined to provide additional visibility through a network of online broadcasters,” he said. “North America is a strategically important territory and this innovative approach will further every stakeholders’ interests.
“Furthermore, the RLIF has confirmed a multi-annual investment package into the Americas Championship to increase its status and scope, and in recognition of the growing number of eligible nations.”

The second round of the rugbyleaguearoundthegrounds.com (RLATG) sponsored national Division 2 Championship took place on Saturday November 3.

In Group A, defending champions Duhaney Park Red Sharks B continued their winning ways with a solid 44-8 win over Kingston Central Hounds at Campion College Grounds. Duhaney Park was led by Jenson Morris and Javian Bryan with two tries each, Bryan kicking a goal as well. They were supported by Tevin Dixon, Marvin Thompson and Trae Rodriques with one try each. Kemoy Whyte kicked 5 goals. For the Hounds, Kahil Green with 2 tries was the only point’s scorer.

In game 2 at the same venue, Liguanea Dragons B battled to a hard fought 22-18 win over Mona Pelicans. Both teams traded the lead several times during the game and were tied at 18 all, when Ashdane Beckford scored a dramatic try on the last play of the game to snatch victory for Liguanea. Other try scorers for the Dragons were Andrew Dixon, Adrain Hall (2) and Donovan Jackson. Dixon and Hall each kicked a goal to round out the scoring. For Mona, Romario Bartley led with 2 tries; support came from Michael Plowwright and Akeem Kitson with a try each. Bahamian national Jordan Isaccs kicked Mona’s lone goal.

Meanwhile, it was another humdinger between Cedar Grove Cyclones and St. Bess Sledgehammers at the BB Coke High School in St. Elizabeth. The Cyclones escaped with a close 36-28 win on the back of an incredible 32 point haul from National player and club founder Antonio Baker. He scored 7 tries and kicked 2 goals to lead his team. The Cyclones other try scorer was Shemar Nugent.
For the Sledgehammers, teenage standout Jowayne Forbes bagged 4 tries, Akino Pennycooke, Shawayne Collins and Mckoy Foster each scored a try.Kamar Findlay added to the points total with 4 goals.

The opening round of the rugbyleaguearoundthegrounds.com (RLATG) sponsored national Division 2 Championship took place on Saturday October 27. Games were played across Kingston, St. Catherine and St. Elizabeth in the expanded competition.

Defending champions Duhaney Park Red Sharks got their campaign off to a good start by holding off the Liguanea Dragons in a tense opener at the Mona Bowl, Kingston. The Dragons drew first blood when Adrian Hall powered over the try line from dummy half on 10 minutes. Duhaney Park responded with tries from Jenson Morris (2) and Klifton Anderson, Kemoy Whyte only managed to convert one of the kick attempts as the Sharks led 16-4. The Dragons came on strong in the last 10 minutes of the game and when Andrew Dixon crossed for a try and Hall converted, it made for a tense finale. However, Duhaney Park held their nerves and saw off the fast finishing Dragons to claim the 3 points on offer.

In a historic first senior club match played at the BB Coke High school in St. Elizabeth, CMU Spartans overpowered another team on debut, St. Bess Sledgehammers 46-6. Try scorers for CMU were; Alpachino Mignott (2), Adrian Brown (2), Mikel Facey (2), Orlando Messado (2) and Chris James. Facey had 3 goals while Stephen Williams and Kevin Thomas each kicked one. For the Sledgehammers, Shawayne Collins scored their lone try, while Kamar Findley kicked the conversion. Notably, former national player Kenardo Morgan was on debut for the developing Sledgehammers team.

Director of Rugby Romeo Monteith was ecstatic about the ever growing spread of rugby league;
“To have club rugby league games played simultaneously in 3 parishes was historic for us and demonstrates the appetite for the sport. The clubs on debut gave a good account of themselves and this competition can only grow from strength to strength. There’s plenty of opportunity for corporate Jamaica to get involved in Jamaica’s fastest growing field sport as the teams crave support to further grow and deliver the game to their communities.”

JAMAICA FINALIZE SQUAD FOR AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jamaica has confirmed their 21-man playing squad for the 2018 Americas Championship, which will also act as qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
The University of North Florida, Jacksonville, will host two double-header rounds on 13th and 17th November 2018, and in the opening fixtures Jamaica take on Canada, the winners facing either hosts USA or Chile.
For the Reggae Warriors it is a case of marrying up cultures, with four players from the domestic competition – all from 2018 double winners Duhaney Park Red Sharks – joining the bulk from the British game, in what is their strongest squad ever-selected.
“We’ve been preparing for this for two years,” said head coach Romeo Monteith. “We’ve brought in professional help in Glen Morrison as manager and Jermaine Coleman as assistant coach.
“We’ve kept a core of UK-based players together for that time, which is key to our strategy to qualify. Parachuting the professional players in every four years has not worked.”
Monteith added: “This time around we should see a team that is more cohesive as there’s better chemistry.”
London-based Jermaine Coleman noted: “The boys have been working well and training hard together now for a few weeks.
“It’s a difficult time of year for all involved as the season has finished at their respective clubs and blokes are spread all over the country.
“However, it shows their desire to represent their country as we drive from both ends of the country to make the sessions happen – the unity amongst the group, with a single goal, is unbelievable.
“They are super-excited to get across and join the local players and get into the games.”
Leeds Rhino Ashton Golding played for Jamaica in France last year but this is first campaign and he cannot wait to get to Florida on a self-funded basis.
“I am very proud to be able to represent my heritage,” he said. “I’ve always had a keen eye on how the national team has done and for me to be able to play in what could be an historical World Cup qualifiers has always been a personal goal.
“I can’t wait to get into camp, we have been meeting weekly, going through some tough gym and field sessions, to make sure we are physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.”
Mirroring him back on the Caribbean island is centre Renaldo Wade who was part of the World Cup qualifying squad in 2015 that just lost out to USA.
“I’m looking to a great campaign, it was a pleasure even to get selected and I just want to be the best I can be for my team in whatever way they need me,” he noted.
“I’ve been doing a lot of strength work both on core and legs, and so far my preparation has been going well.”

]]>http://rugbyleaguejamaica.com/jamaica-name-final-squad-for-world-cup-qualfiers/feed/049266JAMAICA LOOK TO USE RL WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS TO GROW THE SPORT ON THE ISLANDhttp://rugbyleaguejamaica.com/jamaica-look-to-use-rl-world-cup-qualifiers-to-grow-the-sport-on-the-island/
http://rugbyleaguejamaica.com/jamaica-look-to-use-rl-world-cup-qualifiers-to-grow-the-sport-on-the-island/#respondWed, 24 Oct 2018 14:38:01 +0000http://rugbyleaguejamaica.com/?p=49258

Based on the level of experience in their squad, Jamaica start as potential favourites for the 2018 Americas Championship, which will also act as a qualifier for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.

The University of North Florida, Jacksonville, will host two double-header rounds on 13th and 17th November 2018, and in the opening fixtures the Reggae Warriors take on the Canada, the winners facing either hosts USA or newcomers Chile.
But balancing emerging domestic players with those from the UK’s Super League, Championship and League 1 is a difficult task, as Jamaica found out in the 2015 qualifiers before the last World Cup held in 2017.

“Our journey has been a dynamic one. We have players from both sides of the water anxious to represent themselves and their families,” said Romeo Monteith, Rugby League European Federation Caribbean development manager and JRLA director of rugby.

“It is at times difficult to leave out many of the lads playing on concrete-like fields, building the sport where it matters, in the heart of Jamaican communities. But, this is the World Cup qualifiers, and it’s our semi-pro and professional players who give us the best chance of challenging for a finals spot.”
This is the third World Cup that the Warriors have attempted to get through to, after making their debut in Philadelphia in 2011 where they beat South Africa but lost to the USA. Last time, also in Jacksonville, a draw with Canada scuppered their ambitions, after a narrow loss to the host Hawks.

“Qualification would grow the game in Jamaica even further and all domestic participants would benefit both tangibly and intangibly,” added Monteith. “When Aaron Jones-Bishop came to Jamaica in 2017 and played alongside the domestic lads, it gave them a massive boost. There’s just so much more to learn from the professional game skill-wise and, no doubt, this transfer of knowledge will again occur at these qualifiers.”
Monteith claimed: “There is a lot that the domestic players bring to the table as well in terms of heart, passion, culture and pride. We do have conflicts at times based on expectations, attitude and approach but, ultimately, we all do it for the love of Jamaica and the dream to do something bigger than ourselves.”

In the run up to the qualifiers, the expansion of the sport on the island is witnessed by the fifth season of the Jamaican second division competition kicking off this weekend. Eight teams will compete in two conferences for the 2018 season as expansion moves into the St Elizabeth parish for the first time.

In a unique supplier deal, all team outfits will be available for sale on-line through www.1908.store with all revenue going directly to development of the sport by the JRLA. As part of this initiative, Monteith is encouraging rugby league fans around the world to adopt a RLJD2 team and to contribute to the growth of the game directly through the purchase of their merchandise.
Competing in Group 1 are the Kingston-based teams of Duhaney Park Red Sharks, Kingston Central Hounds, Liguanea Dragons and expansion team Mona Pelicans, who have been formed around the strong collegiate rugby league scene of the University of West Indies.

In group 2, CMU Spartans return for a second season after an impressive run in the national Cup competition. They are joined by re-formed Portmore Eliminators and two new expansion teams, Cedar Grove Cyclones and St Bess Sledgehammers, meaning representation across all of South Jamaica.

Monteith commented: “We have been working hard over the past year to bring our new sides into play. I really hope the rest of the rugby league world jumps on board by adopting a D2 team, which can really help us to grow this expansion competition again. We are bringing the game to more Jamaicans than we have before and we hope to continue expanding into the future.”

Support domestic development in Jamaica by purchasing a Division 2 Jersey from the link below.

Duhaney Park defeated the Jamaica Defence Force Warriors 30-4 to be crowned JRLA National Knock-Out Champions for 2018. It marks the third time in a row the club has held on to the trophy.

Played at the home ground of the Jamaica Defence Force, Up Park Camp, the Red Sharks took 15 minutes to open the scoring when game MVP Miguel Facey dotted down in the far left corner. The flood gates then opened with the champions crossing the white wash 5 more times before halftime through Marvin Thompson, Andrae McFarlane, Nathan Campbell, Peter Tapper and Facey with his second. The JDF could only respond with a lone penalty kick for 2 points.

The second half was a much different affair with the soldiers tightening their defence. Duhaney Park could only manage a solitary try from Captain Khamisi McKain, but the damage had already been done and the game won. JDF kicked a second penalty to end on 4 points.

Winning Captain Khamisi McKain is particularly pleased about his team’s defensive effort;
“With the 3rd title on the line our game plan was to prove our defence is the best in the competition. By keeping JDF try-less, we achieved our objective. Though we rushed some of our sets, when we finally settled, we showed why we are a cut above the rest. I always say winners win, and that’s why we are champions again.

Commenting on the biggest and most successful National Knock-out Cup to date, Director of Rugby Romeo Monteith commented;

“This competition has come a long way with a record 12 teams this year. It’s a firm fixture on our calendar and only needs the investment from Corporate Jamaica to become one of Jamaica’s premier and most exciting sporting spectacles.”

GC Foster won the 3rd place playoff against Spanish Town Vikings 40-12.

The Local club scene now switches focus to the National Division 2 competition that begins October 27 with 8 teams.

The National Knock-Out Cup will enter the semi-final stage on Saturday October 6 at Up Park Camp, when defending champion Duhaney Park Redsharks go up against bitter rival GC Foster College at 2pm. Both teams battled for the title last year and it was the men from Duhaney Park who stamped their class to claim the coveted cup. In the second semi-final at 4pm, the Jamaica Defence Force Warriors battle longtime nemesis, Spanish Town Vikings. The game will be a repeat of last year’s third place play-off, JDF claiming honours on that occasion.

GC Foster College

The teams booked their semi-final appearance with quarter-final victories last Saturday with varying degrees of difficulty. Duhaney Park had a hard fought 10-0 win over Caribbean Maritime University Spartans, GC Foster College bullied Mountain View Eagles 40-0, JDF scored a comfortable 22-0 win over the University of Technology Knights and Spanish Town Vikings pulled off a late 4-2 win over a tough Mico University Crocs.

Duhaney Park chases their third major title of the year after securing the National Club Championship Grand Finals and League Leaders Shield. They have also won the previous two installments of the Knock-Out Cup. The competition has seen remarkable growth with a record 12 teams participating in 2018, six more than 2017.

Spanish Town Vikings 2018

Director of Rugby Romeo Monteith believes the semis will be close affairs;
“Duhaney Park and GC Foster are consistently the two best local sides. One must go out in this semis and I believe it will be a battle royal between two evenly matched teams. JDF should have the measure over Spanish Town based on history, however, with so much at stake, I believe the Vikings will make a game of it and are more than capable of springing an upset.”

Only in its third year, the National Knock out Cup has attracted a record 12 teams for the 2018 installment. Last year’s semi-finalist Duhaney Park Redsharks, GC Foster College Lions, Jamaica Defence Force Warriors and Spanish Town Vikings all received a bye in Round one which kicked off on Saturday September 22 at the Duhaney Pak Mini Stadium.

Round 1 Results

Debutants Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) Spartans upset Division one team Washington Blvd. Bulls 18-14, the University of Technology took care of St. Bess Sledgehammers 22-12, Mountain View Eagles handled Cedar Grove Cyclones 24-14 and Mico University Crocs had a smart 26-0 win over Portmore Eliminators.

Director of rugby Romeo Monteith is particularly pleased with the expansion of the competition:

“It’s remarkable to see 12 teams battle in this year’s competition. Mountain View, St. Bess and Cedar Grove are all newly formed community teams. In addition, having Mico and UTech debut from the intercollegiate ranks adds prestige to the competition. The only missing component is corporate sponsorship for Jamaica’s largest rugby competition. “